Posted on 08/21/2010 9:57:00 AM PDT by ConservativeStatement
With consumers and businesses keeping a lid on expenses, more and more small and mid-size restaurants are throwing in their dish towels and closing up shop.
Southern California lost nearly a thousand more restaurants than it gained during the 12 months that ended in March, representing a net 2% drop that was twice the national average, according to the New York research firm NPD Group.
Nearly all the closings were among independently owned restaurants: small, family businesses that just couldn't hold on as customers held back. Earlier in the year restaurants reported modest increases in business, but the jumps in sales were too little too late for many.
"We were going in reverse," said Ken Rausch, who last month made the wrenching decision to close his family's 65-year-old San Gabriel Valley restaurant, Edward's Steakhouse. The restaurant had weathered previous recessions, but this downturn drained the family's resources and showed few signs of letting up, Rausch said.
(Excerpt) Read more at articles.latimes.com ...
That is very inconsistent with Moochelle’s obesity jihad. She should not allow any of them to be seen with ice cream or snow cones.
obamaworld consequences.
I have no idea how this is not the front end of a depression.
summer of recovery rox!!!!!!
I like eating at home now.
Sounds like an Anthony Bourdain episode. /sarc.
I live walking distance from Orso’s and I didn’t realize it had closed. It wasn’t that great a place, though. Very secluded, nothing really to look at. Had kind of a cold, bland atmosphere. I think the place on Sunset Strip are doing okay though. I know I’m helping keep them afloat.
We’re still going, and tipping high to make up for the business loss, but I hadn’t thought to go to family restaurants instead of chains. I love Red Robin!
The funny thing is that the restaurants around my way are still paacked. And, no, I don’t live in DC or Northern VA.
Which fast food joint will not survive the next 5 years ???
My Guesses are Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, KFC or Churches.
Hope and change at work.
I have no idea how this is not the front end of a depression.
The winter of our discontent is going to suck monkey balls
I was devastated to see our favorite local pasta place out of business the other day. They were family owned and had the best pizza. It is the second of our favorite restaurants that have closed this year. It’s enough to put me in a depression.
I haven't seen many Church's in Southern California in the past several years. KFC seems to be going strong.
Wonder how that hope and change is working out for all the servers who were gung ho for Obama.?
I’m not sure about his solution:
“The answer, Celente says, is to bring back the laws that prevented huge companies from getting so big and powerful, and put some opportunity back in the hands of ordinary people. “
I’d say he’s right about what’s happening. My wife and I haven’t seen a raise for 3 years now, and my overtime is basically non-existent now. To top it all off, I find out that my situation is a blessing compared to others.
Wendys and KFC to just fine where I live.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.